A cultural melting pot

Cosmopolitan, sun-kissed Darwin sits on a harbour twice the size of Sydney's, overlooking the jewel-like Arafura Sea. A tropical city, bathed in the heady scent of frangipani, it offers a feast of waterfront delights: superb dining, cruising, or diving among the wrecks in the once war-ravaged harbour.

Darwin is closer to Asia than it is to Sydney so it has the vigour you would expect of a city that is home to 50 ethnic groups. This means the food is great! Not only will you taste great seafood, and crocodile, buffalo, camel or emu, you can take your pick of cuisine with Asian and European influences. You'll never want for a 'coldie', (cold beer) here, but you can also enjoy fine restaurants serving the best in fine wines.

Darwin is buzzing with a lively selection of entertainment: nightclubs, a casino, theatres, restaurants, and its multi-cultural markets are internationally famous.It also has a dramatic history: Darwin really has 'been through the wars'! During World War II it survived 64 Japanese bombing raids and witnessed the sinking of six vessels.Then in 1974 tropical Cyclone Tracey devastated the city. Now, rebuilt as a modern tropical capital, Darwin sports low-rise buildings on wide, tree-lined streets, with parks and contemporary waterfront developments, all embracing a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.

It also makes a great base from which to explore the region, which has 20 national parks, reserves and gardens, including the World Heritage listed Kakadu.

A waterfront city

Darwin is set upon one of Australia's prettiest harbours, opening out onto the brilliant, jewel-like waters of the Arafura Sea. This vibrant, tropical city has a free-spirited, open-air lifestyle blessed with a range of waterfront delights.

Beaches, bays and waterholes are there aplenty to explore and enjoy. The beaches are popular places to cool off on a hot day - not surprising as Darwin has an average daily temperature in the low 30s (Celsius).

In the dry season, May to October, visit Casuarina, Fannie Bay, Mindil and Vestys Beaches, all close to the city. However from late October to early May, venomous box jellyfish make beaches and open waterways places to avoid. Luckily Darwin has plenty of popular freshwater swimming spots nearby, to take advantage of these times, such as Howard Springs, Berry Springs and Manton Dam.

The harbour itself offers a host of activities; there is nothing like a sunset cruise, and keen divers will want to explore the many sunken wrecks - there thanks to Darwin's involvement in World War II! The wharf precincts are perfect for those who like to dine out with a water view. The Darwin Wharf precinct and Cullen Bay are becoming a hot spots for those who want fine dining in a relaxed environment.

Savour the delicacies

The most popular food market in the Northern Territory, Darwin's Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a sensational way to sample the flavours of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond in a balmy, tropical setting.

Held every Thursday in the dry season months between May and October, this market is just as popular with the locals as it is with tourists. Hundreds gather here to buy dishes from the stallholders and sit on the beach to watch the sun go down and the stars appear.

The choice of dishes is enormous and exciting. Darwin is a multicultural city and its composition is reflected in the wide range of produce and dishes available at all its markets. Indonesian food is a natural in these surroundings, and there are many stalls selling such tasty, traditional treats as satays with peanut sauce, gado-gado and fried rice and noodle dishes. Thai food is another specialty of the market, and there's nothing like a bowl of fiery tom yum soup or a green chicken curry to add spice to your evening.

Over the years, Darwin has welcomed many Vietnamese, many of whom entered Australia as refugees, and the delicate, fragrant Vietnamese spring rolls wrapped in rice paper are the perfect finger food. The distinctive cuisines of Japan, Laos, the Philippines, India and Cambodia add their own special flavours to this multicultural feast, or there are always spit roasts, burgers and fish and chips to satisfy traditionalists. The market is situated just off the beach and is within walking distance of the city. Buses and taxis are available from the city hotels, and there is also a spacious parking area.